LILESVILLE — Years ago, their names were synonymous with the churches they attended.

Floyd Harrington was a faithful, dedicated member of Thomas Chapel AME Zion Church, and John Lester Harris served with the same fervor at Henry Grove Baptist Church.

Both churches are in Lilesville. Both men are from Lilesville and still reside there. And twice a year, both churches formerly fellowshipped with each other during revival season.

But Harrington and Harris are also connected another way.

Both of these men are the only living African-American veterans of World War II from the town of Lilesville.

About 430 World War II veterans die each day, according to U.S. Veterans Administration figures.

In North Carolina alone, there are only 20,027 living World War II veterans.

The Anson County Veterans Services Office reflected on the lives and contributions of these two men during Black History Month.

HARRINGTON

Harrington, who is 96 years old, entered the U.S. Army on Feb. 24, 1942. He served in New Guinea during the war as a postal clerk and truck driver.

He was discharged on Jan. 11, 1946.

After service, he became a professional brick mason, where he was involved in constructing several buildings that are still used today, such as Anson High School in Wadesboro.

Married to the late Ginger Lucille Harrington, the two raised six children: three boys and three girls.

Harrington was also an active member of Gatewood Station AME Zion church in Wadesboro as well as Thomas Chapel. He attended church until his health declined.

HARRIS

Harris, who is 94 years old, also served in the United States Army for four years, from Sept. 14, 1942, to Feb. 5, 1946.

He served in Italy and Germany during the war as a radio operator in combat with the famed 92nd Division, also known as the Buffalo Soldiers.

After his military career, Harris became a professional brick mason, where he, too, was involved in local construction including the current high school.

Harris also worked as a bricklayer instructor at Bowman High School.

He and his wife, Janie C. Harris, had three children, one girl and two boys.

Harris was an active member of Henry Grove Missionary Baptist Church until his declining health.

“Mr. Harrington and Mr. Harris have both been pillars in their community over the years. Their lives have paralleled in many ways,” said Ted Ward, Anson County Veterans Services officer.

They both served in World War II, both became professional brick masons, both were original members of VFW Post 10403 in Wadesboro — the only original members still alive — and they were both strong men in their communities who always promoted family through their example, Ward said.

“Their long lives are a testimony of the goodness of God, and we honor them as our local heroes,” Ward said.

Contributed photo John L. Harris
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_John-L.-Harris-fz-1.jpegContributed photo John L. Harris

Contributed photo Floyd Harrington
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Floyd-Harrington-fz-1.jpegContributed photo Floyd Harrington

Contributed photo John Lester Harris, a Buffalo Soldier, visits with Floyd Harrington in his home during Black History Month in February. The two are the only living African-American veterans of World War II from the town of Lilesville.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/web1_Harrington-and-Floyd-current-fz-1.jpegContributed photo John Lester Harris, a Buffalo Soldier, visits with Floyd Harrington in his home during Black History Month in February. The two are the only living African-American veterans of World War II from the town of Lilesville.
Harrington, Harris hailed as heroes

By Kimberly Harrington

For the Record